Agenda, decisions and minutes

As noted above.

To receive any declaration of interest by any Member or Officer in respect of any item of business.

Councillor Douglas M Fowlie declared a personal interest in item 5 – Joint Working with Grwp Llandrillo Menai as a member of his family is employed by Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

To submit, for confirmation, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 July, 2025.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 July, 2025 were confirmed as correct.

To receive a presentation by Bangor University.

The Chair welcomed the Vice-Chancellor Edmund Burke, Professor Paul Spencer, Professor Enlli Thomas and Mr Chris Drew to the meeting.

A brief presentation was afforded to the meeting by the representatives from Bangor University outlining the work of the University together with the joint working arrangements with the local authority in delivering innovative projects on the Island.  A copy of the presentation was attached to the agenda of this meeting.

Following the presentation the following were points of discussion by the Committee:

·         Questions were raised as to how the current financial constraints are affecting the range of courses being offered at Bangor University, and to what extent are reductions to courses being considered and especially those courses within Social Services.  The Vice-Chancellor responded that whilst significant budgetary saving has been undertaken, there has been no closure of any Schools or Departments within the University.  Courses within the Schools of Medicine and Health and Science and Engineering are mainly unaffected.  There has been a reduction of courses available within the Schools of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and Modern Languages (reduction in the studies of some languages have been made due to the number of students wishing to take these courses).  Professor Enlli Thomas assured that there has been no reduction in the bilingual courses that are been offered by the University and there is a commitment to ensure that bilingual courses continue to be afforded.  

·         Reference was made to the need for a bilingual Occupational Therapy and Educational Psychology courses as there is shortage of qualified bilingual staff applying for posts within local authorities. Professor Enlli Thomas referred to the shortage of qualified bilingual Occupational Therapy and Educational Psychology professionals and whilst there would be a need for financial investment to sustain these courses, the University is willing to undertake discussions with local authorities in the region.

·         Whilst welcoming the Medical and Dental Hygiene School at Bangor University, questions were raised as to whether the students trained stay within the local area.  Mr Chris Drew responded that of half the students, 20 in total, 10 attained employments with Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and 10 within the NHS in Wales. He noted that a Foundation Course has been established to introduce a pathway for students from Wales the opportunity to join the medical programme.  Dental sector is more difficult to keep students to work within the NHS due to the private sector been able to afford benefits for dentists.  The Vice-Chancellor said that efforts are been made to have a Dentistry School to the region. 

·         Questions were raised as to the percentage of students from North Wales study at Bangor University.  The Vice-Chancellor responded that there has been an increase in students for North Wales choosing to study at Bangor University which resulted from representatives from the University attending local schools and Colleges to highlight the benefits of studying at Bangor University.  Nearly 1,500 students are from North Wales and 781 from North East Wales.

·         Questions were raised as to how  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To receive a presentation by Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

 The Chair welcomed Mr Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive of Grwp Llandrillo Menai to the meeting.

A brief presentation was afforded to the meeting by Mr Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive of Grwp Llandrillo Menai outlining the work of the undertaken by the college together with the joint working arrangements with the local authority in delivering innovative projects on the Island.  A copy of the presentation was attached to the agenda of this meeting.

Following the presentation the following were points of discussion by the Committee:

·         Reference was made that there is a lack of trade people in the construction industry.  Questions were raised as to the total of young people attending construction courses in the College and whether there are girls’ interested in such courses.  Mr Jones-Griffith responded that there has been a decrease in students undertaking construction courses in the College as there is a challenge in attaining apprenticeships for these young people.  He noted that attracting girls to the industry is a challenging. A STEM course was offered alongside a construction course a few years ago with the support of the local authority.  He further noted that he would afford the figures on the people taking construction courses to members in due course.  Further questions were raised as to whether Grwp Llandrillo Menai attend secondary schools to outline the construction course that are available.  Mr Jones-Griffith responded that discussions are undertaken with the local authority and the Anglesey and Gwynedd Educational Consortia as regards to 14 to 16 provisions.  He referred to the Vocational Certificate that will be available in 2027 that will afford students to study vocational subjects alongside GCSEs.  He noted that the facilities are available in the College without the secondary schools having to invest in such provision. 

·         Questions were raised as to the vision of Grwp Llandillo Menai to the post-16 education on Anglesey. Mr Jones-Griffith responded that discussions have been ongoing with the local authority to ensure access to vocational, A level and apprenticeship courses available in the College.  He noted that there are different models as regards to post-16 education across the Country with several options available.  Several ‘A’ level courses are available at the Llangefni campus for students with mostly afforded in the Welsh language.  Further questions were raised as to the percentage of young people taking ‘A’ level course at Coleg Menai and whether the College could take over the post-16 education on Anglesey.  Mr Jones-Griffith responded that 30 students are studying AS courses and 20 students studying A level course at Coleg Menai this year.   He said that there is availability at Coleg Menai, Llangefni for a post-16 education facility on the campus and Grwp Menai Llandrillo would be willing to discuss any options if there was to be further provisions on the Island.  The College could offer vocational studies alongside A level courses to students.

·         Reference was made to the Wylfa site and the potential for job opportunities if an announcement is made that there will be a nuclear  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To submit a report by the Scrutiny Manager.

Submitted – a report by the Scrutiny Manager.

The Head of Democratic Services reported that the Group Leaders have agreed  that the 3 Scrutiny Panels should be politically balanced.   The Terms of Reference of the 3 Scrutiny Panels have also been reviewed and were attached to the report.  He further said that both Scrutiny Committees need to nominate 1 Member to serve on the Welsh Language and Equality Steering Group.

It was RESOLVED :-

·         To agree a revised process for membership of the 3 Scrutiny Panels based on the current political balance of the Council;

·         To agree the Terms of Reference for each of the 3 Scrutiny Panels;

·         That Councillor Non Dafydd be nominated by the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to serve on the Welsh Language and Equality Steering Group.

To submit a report by the Scrutiny Manager.

The report of the Scrutiny Manager setting out the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee’s indicative Forward Work Programme for 2025/2026, which was presented for consideration.

It was RESOLVED to agree the current version of the Forward Work Programme for 2025/2026, including the amendments noted.